Houston Astros vs. Boston RedSox

The RedSox sent utility IF Jed Lowrie and RHP prospect Kyle Weiland to the Houston Astros in exchange for RHP Mark Melancon. This move helps both teams, in allowing the RedSox to deepen the bullpen, and allowing Lowrie to be an everyday player for the Astros. This deal also gives Weiland more confidence in pitching in a better division than the AL East.

RHP prospect Kyle Weiland was drafted in the 3^rd round of the 2008 June MLB Amateur Draft. Although Weiland didn’t produce shut out numbers in the minors, he was consistent from the NY Penn League all the way up through AAA Pawtucket. Weiland had career MILB numbers of 23W-31L, 3.51 ERA, 1.215 WHIP, 8.5 K/9. He allowed 375 H, in 449 IP, giving up 28 HR and allowing 171 BB, and 426/K. Weiland was brought up for 2 games in July, then for a bulk of games in September where he had an 0-3 record, 7.66 ERA, 13 K, and 12 BB. Kyle went know more than 6 IP in any of his starts, and gave up 22 R in just 24 IP. I feel confident Kyle will find himself in the minors for a majority of the 2012 season if not all of it.

Utility man Jed Lowrie will more than likely open up the 2012 season as the starting 2^nd baseman / shortstop of the Astros. In 88 games played last year for the RedSox, Lowrie batted .252, with 6 HR and 36 RBI. He was always the relief guy for the sox, who started more than normal bench players. Lowrie seen a good amount of playing time from 08’ till 11’, where he played in 256 games. In 2011 Lowrie split time playing SS/3B. My prediction for Lowrie: .274 BA, 12 HR, 65 RBI.

RHP Mark Melancon will add some much needed depth in the bullpen. Melancon brings along with him, closer experience which he received last year in Houston. If Daniel Bard comes into the starting rotation, Melancon will most likely be the set-up man to Andrew Bailey. Melancon split his four years in the major leagues between the NY Yankees and the Astros, with his most memorable year coming in 2011. Mark posted an 8-4 record, with 20 S, 66 K and a WHIP of 1.22. My prediction: 1-4, 2.77 ERA, 34 K, 19 BB.